Biography

One Direction originally entered the 2010 seventh series of The X Factor as individuals, but following a suggestion from guest judge Nicole Scherzinger, they were grouped together. Mentored by Simon Cowell, the boy band were favorites but finished third, and subsequently signed to Cowell's Syco label. Up All Night (2011) made One Direction the first British band to debut at the top of the U.S. albums chart, and Take Me Home (2012) earned multi-platinum certification in several countries. Midnight Memories (2013), driven by "Best Song Ever" and "Story of My Life," nearly outdid them both. Four (2014), featuring a contribution from Ed Sheeran, kept the group at the top of the charts. ~ Jon O'Brien